I know you resent me and wish nothing good for my life. I will do my best to stay away--out of sight and hopefully out of mind. If I seem pushy, it is not my intention.
I believe it takes more effort to maintain your anger and resentment than to let go and move on. To let go is to find a peace that will set you free from the torment of your anger. But in order to let go, you have to find forgiveness in your heart first and foremost. I’m not asking for you to forget what I’ve done. I just ask that you forgive me and give peace a chance.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Philanthropy
Earlier today I had a successful one-on-one meeting with author/entrepreneur/TV and radio personality/Southern Living Editor-at-Large, Kimberly Shlegel Whitman. She is the devoted mother and successful businesswoman I aspire to be like. More importantly, she is a philanthropist at heart. Check out her Website at www.kimberlywhitman.com to learn more about her growing empire.
Today we brainstormed and refreshed our promotional outreach strategy for her Website and blog site, RSVP Calendar (http://rsvpcalendar.blogspot.com). I’ve been a part of her team since July of 2010. I am humbled and honored to contribute to her continued mission and vision.
Just last week, I came across an article back from 2008 that described Kim’s role as a new mother and entrepreneur. It was inspiring to read how she manages the demands of motherhood and found the balance to maintain her professional/social life. But what really struck me in the article was that she genuinely lives by her parents’ mantra, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
I think it’s something for us all to think about. Most everyone I know is blessed with abundance. I imagine it would only take a mere fraction of our time to give back to the less fortunate. This is a new year and a time for resolutions. Why not make it your New Year’s resolution to take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle and serve at a church or at a pet adoption center or a senior living center? Whether you give financially or donate your spare time to help someone in need, either way will go a long way. I strongly believe our gifts are not only meant for us to enjoy. I believe I have what I have so that I can share with those who are without.
Today we brainstormed and refreshed our promotional outreach strategy for her Website and blog site, RSVP Calendar (http://rsvpcalendar.blogspot.com). I’ve been a part of her team since July of 2010. I am humbled and honored to contribute to her continued mission and vision.
Just last week, I came across an article back from 2008 that described Kim’s role as a new mother and entrepreneur. It was inspiring to read how she manages the demands of motherhood and found the balance to maintain her professional/social life. But what really struck me in the article was that she genuinely lives by her parents’ mantra, “To whom much is given, much is expected.”
I think it’s something for us all to think about. Most everyone I know is blessed with abundance. I imagine it would only take a mere fraction of our time to give back to the less fortunate. This is a new year and a time for resolutions. Why not make it your New Year’s resolution to take a break from the everyday hustle and bustle and serve at a church or at a pet adoption center or a senior living center? Whether you give financially or donate your spare time to help someone in need, either way will go a long way. I strongly believe our gifts are not only meant for us to enjoy. I believe I have what I have so that I can share with those who are without.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Passion and Career
I was asked to write up a biography for a local DJ’s Website that is currently under construction. I was flattered he entrusted me with such a task. He is phenomenal in his craft and was blessed to have found his one passion at an early age. Over 21 years ago, he discovered an interest. He turned that interest into a disciplined practice. He shared his skillful gift with the masses. After all these years of being in business, his unique expertise has steadily been in high demand. He's getting paid to do what he loves...and he sure loves what he does. He shared a personal quote that I want to make my mantra in my own career path. He simply stated to “find out what you’re passionate about and do it for the rest of your life.”
As I’ve written more than once, I’m blessed with many talents and the potential to succeed. However, I’m still struggling to find that one craft I’m so passionate to hone and perfect. If only I could focus on the one thing I love to do in this life and utilize it as a financial means to give back to God and to provide for my family. But what the heck is that one thing?
Well, it’s 3:14am and there are other productive things I could be doing with my insomnia. But instead, I choose to write what it’s in my heart. Perhaps I should just write forever. I should write what I learn. I should write about my defeats and victories. I should write about what hurts me and what makes my heart soar. I should write until I run out of words, which will probably never happen. I love words. I love using the right words. I love writing the powerful words that capture exactly how I feel at that given moment. Perhaps writing is my passion?
Well, I’ve got a lot of work to do. Thank God it’s a new year and I can begin with a clean slate with the will to hone this craft. I don’t believe I’m a great writer yet. But I have enough passion to share and use this talent for the rest of my life.
As I’ve written more than once, I’m blessed with many talents and the potential to succeed. However, I’m still struggling to find that one craft I’m so passionate to hone and perfect. If only I could focus on the one thing I love to do in this life and utilize it as a financial means to give back to God and to provide for my family. But what the heck is that one thing?
Well, it’s 3:14am and there are other productive things I could be doing with my insomnia. But instead, I choose to write what it’s in my heart. Perhaps I should just write forever. I should write what I learn. I should write about my defeats and victories. I should write about what hurts me and what makes my heart soar. I should write until I run out of words, which will probably never happen. I love words. I love using the right words. I love writing the powerful words that capture exactly how I feel at that given moment. Perhaps writing is my passion?
Well, I’ve got a lot of work to do. Thank God it’s a new year and I can begin with a clean slate with the will to hone this craft. I don’t believe I’m a great writer yet. But I have enough passion to share and use this talent for the rest of my life.
Peace
I heard a great message during the homily at mass yesterday. The congregation was encouraged to live life either relentlessly focused on the path to a Christ-centered life or to be the influence that leads others to Christ. His message was quite the zinger. It stuck with me and inspires me to strengthen my Christ-following journey. It also reminded me of the important message my Mary Kay director shared with me -- that perhaps I may be the only Bible a person reads.
Spiritual integrity is the most important kind of truth. I constantly remind myself that how I am here is how I am everywhere. If I’m to live a Christian life, I should always be Christ-like in any given situation. I have learned that where Jesus is, there is love. There is forgiveness. There is healing.
God’s timing is impeccable. The inspiring message I heard was tested hours after hearing the sermon. It’s as if God was testing my listening and application skills. My husband and I took our son to a children’s birthday party. I was completely caught off guard by a person who never cares to see my family happy or successful in this life. Both my husband and I were spoken down to and publicly humiliated in front of family, our son and other innocent bystanders. It was awful.
Instead of retaliating and fighting the fire with fire, we were at peace. We remained rational and calm. We replied peacefully and respectfully honoring the irrational wishes of the person who confronted us. Whether or not we deserved that kind of treatment, we remained dignified and I’m forever grateful for the divine intervention that gave us the strength to humble ourselves. After that embarrassing episode, I remembered to keep the peace. After all, we may have been the only positive influence this individual had. I wasn’t about to let go of the spiritual integrity I pray to always have. I gave in to goodness and wish for nothing but peace. If anything, I pray for that person whose misery was so obvious. It was sad to hear this person tell us off. But it was more empowering to just be kind.
Spiritual integrity is the most important kind of truth. I constantly remind myself that how I am here is how I am everywhere. If I’m to live a Christian life, I should always be Christ-like in any given situation. I have learned that where Jesus is, there is love. There is forgiveness. There is healing.
God’s timing is impeccable. The inspiring message I heard was tested hours after hearing the sermon. It’s as if God was testing my listening and application skills. My husband and I took our son to a children’s birthday party. I was completely caught off guard by a person who never cares to see my family happy or successful in this life. Both my husband and I were spoken down to and publicly humiliated in front of family, our son and other innocent bystanders. It was awful.
Instead of retaliating and fighting the fire with fire, we were at peace. We remained rational and calm. We replied peacefully and respectfully honoring the irrational wishes of the person who confronted us. Whether or not we deserved that kind of treatment, we remained dignified and I’m forever grateful for the divine intervention that gave us the strength to humble ourselves. After that embarrassing episode, I remembered to keep the peace. After all, we may have been the only positive influence this individual had. I wasn’t about to let go of the spiritual integrity I pray to always have. I gave in to goodness and wish for nothing but peace. If anything, I pray for that person whose misery was so obvious. It was sad to hear this person tell us off. But it was more empowering to just be kind.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Our days are numbered
Another great devotional message from Our Daily Bread was shared with me by my very wise husband. He reminds me that our time on earth is limited. I will not live a life of complacency by having the mindset that making changes in my life is something to put off until I'm nearing the end of my life. I do NOT believe that is the way to live because the time is now.
"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. —Psalm 90:12
In an effort to number my days, I ask myself the following questions:
How can I become more like Christ?
Am I reading the Word regularly?
Am I devoting time to prayer?
Am I meeting together with other believers?
I know God put me here to do something great with the talents and passion He's given me. But my time to do great and to be great is limited and dictated by HIM. So I will live this life with a heart open to His love and wisdom to not just spend my time, but more importantly, to invest it.
"Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. —Psalm 90:12
In an effort to number my days, I ask myself the following questions:
How can I become more like Christ?
Am I reading the Word regularly?
Am I devoting time to prayer?
Am I meeting together with other believers?
I know God put me here to do something great with the talents and passion He's given me. But my time to do great and to be great is limited and dictated by HIM. So I will live this life with a heart open to His love and wisdom to not just spend my time, but more importantly, to invest it.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Patriotism
Below is an excerpt from Mark Cuban's thoughts on becoming wealthy. I care to do my part in patriotism.
“Being rich is a good thing. Not just in the obvious sense of benefiting you and your family, but in the broader sense. Profits are not a zero sum game. The more you make the more of a financial impact you can have.” (Mark Cuban)
I’m taking my multiple streams of income to: give back to God’s church for His blessings; to give to the less fortunate in the community; and to boost sales for the Neiman Marcus children’s department. Seriously!
Make more so you can give more, and remember to always give back to the ONE who gave it to you. Our economy needs a boost. Let’s show some love to our great country in the form of our hard-earned money!
“Being rich is a good thing. Not just in the obvious sense of benefiting you and your family, but in the broader sense. Profits are not a zero sum game. The more you make the more of a financial impact you can have.” (Mark Cuban)
I’m taking my multiple streams of income to: give back to God’s church for His blessings; to give to the less fortunate in the community; and to boost sales for the Neiman Marcus children’s department. Seriously!
Make more so you can give more, and remember to always give back to the ONE who gave it to you. Our economy needs a boost. Let’s show some love to our great country in the form of our hard-earned money!
Friday, September 16, 2011
Postpartum Pounds Part 2
When Isaac was born, I weighed 182 lbs. GASP! Before Isaac was conceived, I weighed 130 pounds. Since my last postpartum poundage report over four months ago, I have lost 13 pounds living life as a stay-at-home mom with absolutely NO dieting and NO exercising. That may not sound like much of a loss, but considering my current lifestyle, I'm quite proud of myself. I spend 85% of my time indoors at home eating everything in sight. The intense food cravings still haunt me at all hours of the day/night. Right now my biggest cravings are for peanut M&M’s and In-N-Out burgers and fries. Since I refrain from ordering a Double-Double-Animal-style, am I considered health-conscious? Does carrying around a gigantic baby count as a workout regimen? If so, then clearly it’s no mystery as to why I’ve trimmed down and am only 9lbs away from my goal weight! Haha!
In all seriousness, I owe the steady weight loss to the past 7 months of breastfeeding my baby. Sometimes I feel like I deserve some sort of recognition at this point. My son’s first two bottom teeth are in…yowza...they really hurt!
I’m a HUGE advocate for breastMILK. I encourage soon-to-be moms to breastfeed your child. Breast is the best and your shrinking post-baby figure will love you for it!
In all seriousness, I owe the steady weight loss to the past 7 months of breastfeeding my baby. Sometimes I feel like I deserve some sort of recognition at this point. My son’s first two bottom teeth are in…yowza...they really hurt!
I’m a HUGE advocate for breastMILK. I encourage soon-to-be moms to breastfeed your child. Breast is the best and your shrinking post-baby figure will love you for it!
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